Writer Monte Cook is no stranger to fantasy, but the upcoming PTOLUS: CITY BY THE SPIRE comic book, which is being published by Dabel Brothers Production (a.k.a. "DB Pro") this spring, is his first stab at graphic storytelling.

Not that Mr. Cook is worried - he's a high-level writer with a well-rounded skillset and an impressive number of accomplishments to his name. He was a co-designer of the d20 game system and Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition, and he also created the combat system for the collectible superhero action figure game HeroClix. He penned the famous Dungeon Master's Guide and two successful novels. And he founded popular publisher Malhavoc Press, where he has released a number of player campaigns including the popular Arcana Evolved and the upcoming Ptolus: City by the Spire, which features the world upon which his comic is based.

The comic book story for PTOLUS will introduce readers to the "City by the Spire" across six sweeping issues as the 'treasure hunter' Sheva Callister is brought out of retirement to play a dangerous game of fetch for a powerful lord. Her quest takes her throughout the city and below through tombs and traps as she struggles to keep herself alive and uncover who - or what - is working against her. It's a story of high fantasy and low treachery - the sort of tale any reader, gamer or not, can sink into and enjoy.

"Monte Cook is an amazingly influential individual," said Les Dabel, Vice President of DB Pro. "Many of his ideas have become standards in both gaming and fantasy storytelling today."

So, continued Dabel, when Monte Cook approached DB Pro with an idea for a comic book that would help create awareness about his upcoming game, the Dabel Brothers jumped at the chance.

"PTOLUS isn't just a promotional tie-in for a product; it's an extension of the game," explained Dabel. "One of the initial ideas going into this project was that Monte would use the comic to develop characters, places, and weapons that players could then use in their own adventures."

And indeed, every issue of the comic will feature an exclusive item or character with full statistics and rules available on the game's website, http://www.ptolus.com . First up will be Sheva's hungersword, a special blade that literally devours souls.

"PTOLUS could not have found a better home than at DB Pro," Monte said. "I'm thrilled to be working with them. It's a blast!"

PTOLUS: CITY BY THE SPIRE is a 6-issue miniseries from Dabel Brothers Production. It will be available at comic book retailers everywhere in May, 2006 and distributed by Diamond Distributors, Inc.

More information about the PTOLUS comic book and other projects from DB Pro can be found at http://www.dabelbrothers.com . A special section of the official Ptolus site dedicated to the comic will also eventually be available at http://www.ptolus.com .